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Boxer Dog Seizures
My Boxer dog seems to be sniffing the air, but she "spaces" out and it is like a seizure, but it will last for only a few seconds and then she will go on about her normal behavior. This happens at any time, and when she has one, if she is standing up she will try to walk and be clumsy or fall over. Any ideas? Other than that she is a wonderful smart and loving puppy.
Overview
There are different categories of canine seizures. With any form, in some cases it will only occur one time and with other dogs, it may be an continuing issue.
Even with extensive testing, there are times when the cause of this is not always known.
However, dogs who are identified as having epilepsy can do quite well and live fairly typical and happy lives with appropriate medication.
Other possible reasons for a dog having one or multiple seizures is a head injury, the end stage of an extreme heart worm infestation and genetic issues.
Signs of a Dog Having a Seizure
Depending on the type of seizure that is occurring a dog will have a combination of some of the following symptoms:
Tonic Clonic
The most common type of dog seizure is the Tonic-clonic. This has 2 phases to it.
The "tonic" part can be very extreme or mild. In serious cases, the dog will enter a Grand Mal phase in which they drop to the ground unconscious and the dog’s legs will be stretched and stiff. This is very dangerous, as a dog may stop breathing. If breathing does not start again within 30 seconds, canine CPR must be performed while assistance is being called.
In milder phases, the dog may drop down, but will not be unconscious and will breathe as usual.
The "clonic" and 2nd part will be one in which the dog show very unusual behavior. This can include all or some of the following:
This is a short canine seizure in which the dog will lose muscle control and they will enter a "blank" stage of staring.
Partial seizures may take place with dogs. They may show signs comparable to the 2nd phase of the tonic-clonic type. This will consist of the walking in place and the dog may also have muscle spasms: in the legs, head or back. During this type, a dog may keep doing the same actions over and over, for example biting into the air or barking as if they were filmed and the “movie” is playing over and over again.
Status Epilepticus
The most severe and also most uncommon type is Status Epilepticus. This is typically fatal. A dog will go into a severe seizure that lasts for approximately a 1/2 hour. A number of dogs will never recuperate. This type can be avoided as it most often happens when a dog is given great amounts of chocolate. This can also happen if a dog unintentionally eats a poison such as a cleaning compound. For this reason, "child" proofing a home for a Boxer is highly recommended.
What to Do
What do should you do if you think your Boxer is having a seizure?
It is not true that you must hold your Boxer's tongue. If there are any objects near your dog, move them away, such as chairs, coffee tables, etc.
Without delay shut off any noises such as the TV, radio, etc. Turn off any bright lights. Speak in a reassuring voice. Carefully put a slim pillow under your Boxer dog’s head. Jot down information that the vet will need to know:
Do you have a Boxer question and want direct advice from the AllBoxerInfo Experts? Click here to learn how.
There are different categories of canine seizures. With any form, in some cases it will only occur one time and with other dogs, it may be an continuing issue.
Even with extensive testing, there are times when the cause of this is not always known.
However, dogs who are identified as having epilepsy can do quite well and live fairly typical and happy lives with appropriate medication.
Other possible reasons for a dog having one or multiple seizures is a head injury, the end stage of an extreme heart worm infestation and genetic issues.
Signs of a Dog Having a Seizure
Depending on the type of seizure that is occurring a dog will have a combination of some of the following symptoms:
- Drooling
- Staring out into space
- Walking in place
- Making strange movements
- Not responding to you
- Signs of confusion
- Rigid limbs
- Passing out (unconscious)
- Breathing can stop
Tonic Clonic
The most common type of dog seizure is the Tonic-clonic. This has 2 phases to it.
The "tonic" part can be very extreme or mild. In serious cases, the dog will enter a Grand Mal phase in which they drop to the ground unconscious and the dog’s legs will be stretched and stiff. This is very dangerous, as a dog may stop breathing. If breathing does not start again within 30 seconds, canine CPR must be performed while assistance is being called.
In milder phases, the dog may drop down, but will not be unconscious and will breathe as usual.
The "clonic" and 2nd part will be one in which the dog show very unusual behavior. This can include all or some of the following:
- Walking in place
- Drooling
- Abnormal movements of the mouth
- Impassiveness
- Enlarged pupils.
This is a short canine seizure in which the dog will lose muscle control and they will enter a "blank" stage of staring.
Partial seizures may take place with dogs. They may show signs comparable to the 2nd phase of the tonic-clonic type. This will consist of the walking in place and the dog may also have muscle spasms: in the legs, head or back. During this type, a dog may keep doing the same actions over and over, for example biting into the air or barking as if they were filmed and the “movie” is playing over and over again.
Status Epilepticus
The most severe and also most uncommon type is Status Epilepticus. This is typically fatal. A dog will go into a severe seizure that lasts for approximately a 1/2 hour. A number of dogs will never recuperate. This type can be avoided as it most often happens when a dog is given great amounts of chocolate. This can also happen if a dog unintentionally eats a poison such as a cleaning compound. For this reason, "child" proofing a home for a Boxer is highly recommended.
What to Do
What do should you do if you think your Boxer is having a seizure?
It is not true that you must hold your Boxer's tongue. If there are any objects near your dog, move them away, such as chairs, coffee tables, etc.
Without delay shut off any noises such as the TV, radio, etc. Turn off any bright lights. Speak in a reassuring voice. Carefully put a slim pillow under your Boxer dog’s head. Jot down information that the vet will need to know:
- When this happened
- How long it lasted for
- All signs that your dog showed
- What your Boxer was doing right before the seizure
Do you have a Boxer question and want direct advice from the AllBoxerInfo Experts? Click here to learn how.
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1996-2010 contact@AllBoxerInfo. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
